Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services will host its sixth annual Pirate Party at Sunset Grille in West Ocean City Friday night, to benefit its Lower Shore CASA program.

The Court Appointed Special Advocate program recruits and trains volunteers in the community who advocate for abused and neglected children. It's funded by a matching grant, according to program director Brigitte Southworth.

The goal of the program is to make sure children don't get lost in the court system, Southworth said. Volunteers remain in contact with the children until they either get a permanent home or age out at 21. Since July, the CASA program has worked with 68 local children.

"Our goal is to be the one constant in their life," she said. "A lot of kids move from home to home and social workers might change."

The Pirate Party is the program's biggest fundraiser of the year, Southworth said. Pirates — local community members — are recruited to raise money for the grant, and they must raise at least $500 to avoid walking the plank during the party. This year, 19 pirates are taking part.

A silent auction, a 50/50 and the popular gold bar raffle will take place over the course of the evening. The gold bar raffle is something Southworth compares to Willy Wonka, as 500 candy bars will be wrapped in gold paper, and every few bars will have a prize inside.

"It's a huge draw," she said.

Attendees are encouraged to dress up as pirates.

VIP tables for four are available for $150.

For more information on the program or to become a volunteer, call 410-641-4598 or visit gowoyo.org. The program is actively seeking volunteers.